Happy Snappy Wallet

Before I introduce my January bag, I wanted to share this little wallet I made for my son's friend. He was turning 6 and my son still gets excited for me to make his friends gifts for their birthdays, so I'm more than happy to oblige while he still thinks I'm cool. It only has 2 card slots, just enough for a library card and a gift card, plus a bill slot. It's nice and firm and closes with a snap because my son is always asking me for things with snaps. It was very well received by an excited birthday boy exclaiming "my first wallet!" So very worth it. Stay tuned for a free tutorial.

Companion Carpet Bag

You may remember, I have joined the Bag of the Month Club, a collaboration of 6 independent bag designers, each taking turns releasing a new pattern a month for 6 months. Well, the first pattern is this Companion Carpet Bag, from Sewing Patterns by Mrs. H and it's such a fun bag! I was a bit slow to get it started because the bag requires some pretty specific metal frames and at the time, I was only able to locate them in China, which took a while. Thankfully, the frames are now available at Emmaline Bags in Canada.

This one is the large, with a 12" frame, and the small is made with a 8" frame. I used Joel Dewberry's Birch Farm and Notting Hill Collections. The main Birch Farm print has such a large image, it demanded a large bag. I lined up the pocket on the front of the bag to match up with the main panel, and the pocket has a magnetic snap closure. The interior has a large divided slip pocket and a zippered pocket.

This is my first time using premade handles, and I did not enjoy hand-sewing them on. I think next time, I will just attach the handles between the main panel and the frame channel, and skip the hand-sewing altogether. I've seen some tutorials on making your own vinyl/leather handles as well, and I may try that too.

The pattern calls for purse feet, and they are actually used to attach the stabilizer to the bottom of the bag; I got to use these ones I got from a friend and I think they go with the fabric colours perfectly. I also had fun fussy cutting the front pocket to match up with the exterior panel. It was a bit challenging getting it just so, but I enjoy a challenge now and then.

I hope the rest of my bags for the club won't be this late...I do have February's bag cut, fused and ready to assemble, so that should be coming along soon. I'm still contemplating the fabric for March's bag and I already know exactly what I'm using for April's bag. Do you have a lot on your to-do list as well? How do you prioritize and organize?

Discount Alert: Make sure to catch the discount code at the end of the post.
In case you haven't noticed, I love testing bag patterns! I wouldn't even know where to begin to design a bag, so testing a pattern still allows to be a part of the process, and I find it quite satisfying. My latest testing opportunity was for Blue Calla Sewing Patterns, to test the Rose Gathered Handbag. It features a large opening closed by a flap with a magnetic snap, interior zippered pocket, and large interior divided slip pocket. The defining feature is the gathered side, with ties you can cinch to increase the gather. It also incorporates some hardware to complete the fun retro look.

I used Pellon Craft Fuse 808 on my lining and it gives the bag a wonderful shape when combined with the fusible fleece and the gathers and pleats.
The only tip I have for this bag is to use a binding maker, if you have one, for the ties. If you don't have one, it might be worth looking into. I picked mine up a while ago for under $10; it's such a great little tool, and prevents burnt fingers, ouch!

I found the pattern itself to be easy to follow, with many full coloured pictures and detailed instructions, including tips. Once everything was cut and fused, it was a relatively quick sew.

To me, this pattern is such a summery bag, so I chose Anna Maria Horner's Lou Lou Thi collection for it, with Summer Totem as my focus fabric. I think this line exudes summer! It makes me think of sunny days, fruity drinks and island getaways, and I think this bag showcases all the coordinates so well. I just love how the lining peeks out at the top; it's too pretty to hide.

Update: the introductory discount is over, but you can always use discount code OKAPI10 to save 10%, even on sale items!

I'd love to hear your plans for the next thing you're working on. Will it be a bag? If you don't have any projects on the go at the moment (or even if you do), now's the perfect time to pick up this pattern with the discount.

I had the opportunity to test the final pattern in the Swoon subscription, the Evelyn Market Tote, and I was so thrilled at the chance. The pattern comes in 2 sizes, and I made the larger of the two: The Market Tote. I think it's close to becoming my favourite!

The design is a rounded, gusseted tote, with unique overlays and handle connectors, setting it apart from typical totes. I added piping to mine (not in the pattern) and I'm happy with how it makes the black in my fabric choices pop. The pattern is great without the piping too though, and I think the overlays would be highlighted more without the piping.

The pattern also features a recessed zipper, and is done in a method not used in other Swoon bags yet. I love the result! The zipper panel has such nice, clean lines and the instructions for it were easy to follow.

Inside of the tote is a zippered pocket. This bag is a great size for a diaper bag and could easily have more pockets added for extra storage and organization.

The pattern suggests using foam interfacing on the exterior, and fusible woven interfacing for the lining. I have bolts of Pellon Thermolam Plus 971 and Craft Fuse 808, so I used that in place of the foam interfacing, and stuck with Shapeflex 101 for the lining. The bag stands up nicely on its own with this combination of interfacing.

The black rectangle rings were from a friend and I couldn't wait to pair them with the black piping. Both the top handbag zipper and the interior zipper are fromEmmaline Bags, and are wonderful quality.

If you have the subscription, the pattern should already be in your account ready to download. If not, you'll have to wait for its release later this week at Swoon Sewing Patterns. Update: the pattern is now available for purchase, follow this link.

I'd love to hear what you think, and if you're going to make one, or two, or three...or more!

There seems to be a trend right now in the fabric world with "geeky" and "nerdy" prints, and I'm loving it! I first saw the Robert Kaufman Science Fair collection when Melissa at Funky Monkey Fabrics shared these images gauging interest for ordering. I knew I needed them, so waited patiently for them to be released. The Retro Geek from Timeless Treasures is also from Funky Monkey Fabrics, in fact, they're always my first stop when I'm looking for a fun print. This week at Funky Monkey Fabrics, all Designer Cottons are 15% off using promo code cotton15 at checkout!

I also had a request to make a Coraline Clutch with these fabrics, to be used as a marker bag for science class. Coraline is a great pattern featuring a removable wristlet strap and recessed zipper, and comes in 2 sizes with options for handles as well, available from Swoon either individually, or as part of the Swoon Favorites Collection.

I had just under half a yard of this great Retro Geek cotton from Funky Monkey and it was the perfect amount for the exterior to make one of Swoon's free patterns, the Dakota Tablet Clutch, which fits my iPad perfectly. This isn't your typical free pattern! Lots of detail, and wonderful instructions, just like every other Swoon pattern. The clutch has darts to form a nice fitted shape, a handle, and a magnetic snap closure. The pattern also comes with an option to add a contrasting panel on the clutch.

Do you love showing off your inner nerd too? What would you make with these fabulous prints?

Disclaimer: I received some supplies from my sponsor to create items in this post. This post contains affiliate links, I receive a portion of pattern sales purchased through my links. As always, the opinions expressed in this post are my own.

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